Ans. Custard, the dragon, had big sharp teeth. He had spikes on the top of his body and scales underneath. His mouth was like a fire place and his nose was like a chimney. There were daggers on his toes. Such a creature is supposed to be very strong and ferocious. But, in fact, he was a coward. That is why he is called cowardly. Since he is coward he cries for a nice safe cage to hide there in case of any danger.

Ans. Belinda tickled him severely because this was her way of teasing and making fun of Custard for his cowardliness.

4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example, “Clashed his tail like iron in a dungeon”—the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more poetic devices used in the poem?

Ans. The poet has used a number of similes in the poem. For example:
(i) mouth like a fireplace as brave as a barrel full of bears as brave as a tiger in a rage snorting like an engine like a robin at worm
(ii) The repetition of the consonant T in ‘little’, ‘in’ the first stanza gives rise to alliteration.
(iii) There is use of irony in Ink, Blink and Mustard calling Custard ‘Percival’. Custard is described as a coward while Percival was one of King Arthur’s legendary knights of the Round Table. He is most famous for his involvement in the quest for the Holy Grail.

5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of the dragon.

Ans. The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous ballad close to a parody. The names of Belinda’s pets are funny. The way Custard gobbles up the pirate is also amusing. Ink, Blink and Mustard make fun of Custard for his cowardice and boast of their bravery. But they run away when they see the pirate. But still they try to prove themselves braver than Custard.

9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern songs or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.